James Munro

James enlisted in the Royal Irish Fusiliers in January 1912 and he arrived at Boulogne with his Battalion on the 23/08/1914. His Battalion were part of the 10th Brigade, 4th Division and were immediately thrown into the front line as the British tried to slow down the retreat from Mons at Le Cateaux. James was killed only 3 days after arriving in France. He was the 2nd man from Coatbridge to be killed in the war. By nightfall of the 25 August 1914 the retreating British II Corps was being closely pursued by the German First Army. I Corps was some way away to the east, and although the newly-arrived 4th Division was moving up alongside II Corps it was clear that the disorganised and greatly fatigued units faced a calamity the next day if the withdrawal was forced to continue. Corps Commander Horace Smith-Dorrien ordered II Corps to stand and fight. The units of the Corps were arranged in the open downs to the west of the small town of Le Cateau. For long hours during the morning of the 26th August, the British force, notably the field artillery, held overwhelming numbers of the enemy at bay. British tactics were similar to those at Mons. The infantry produced intensive and accurate rifle fire, while the field artillery fired air-bursting shrapnel rounds on the unprotected advancing enemy infantry. Many field guns were fired at point-blank range over open sights. But the British artillery was also exposed and came in for heavy punishment from the German guns. Some were withdrawn just as the enemy infantry closed in. For the second time in three days, the British force engaged withdrew just in time. Miraculously, the exhausted II Corps disengaged and withdrew towards the south during the afternoon. Smith-Dorrien's decision to turn II Corps around from retreat and to stand against the German advance at Le Cateau paid off handsomely. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the Germans and another delay imposed on their Schlieffen timetable. To the east, I Corps was able to move further away from the advance parties of the Germans. However, a rift grew between Sir John French (who had initially ordered a continuation of the retreat) and Smith-Dorrien as a result of this action. It was to have serious consequences in 1915. The total British casualties at Le Cateau amounted to 7,812 of all ranks, killed, wounded and missing. 38 field guns were lost. See Directory for James' brother John's page. James is also remembered on the St. Patrick's Church Roll of Honour along with brothers Daniel and Thomas (see photos). See photos for James' Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his listing in the Ireland Casualties WW1, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial Panel List, his name on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial x 2, his Pension Records x 3 and the Royal Irish Fusiliers Cap Badge.